I'm getting ready to rebuild/replace most of the steering system on my '70 EC. I'm considering replacing the collapsing column shaft with something that looks better from a safety point of view, and it appears to have been designed for retrofitting to GM systems as they might be being used in Winston Cup requirements.
http://www.woodwardsteering.com/hot.htm (go to bottom of page)
I've looked at another site that sells race equip. and they have this description:
"The SCA500 telescoping splined steering column has become standard safety equipment in many classes of racing. Easily adapted to fit the crush space between the steering gear and the firewall. The splined design provides a more positive, slop free, lower wearing design than most telescoping shafts made of hex or flattened bar stock."; you can see it (smaller than shown on the other link) here:
http://www.stockcarproducts.com/steer5.htm

Curious if anyone has ever upgraded to this part and if it worked out OK. It's $120, but it sounds worth it for the safety aspect, since I'm rebuilding the system anyway.
Any comments or knowledge appreciated.
Thanks.
Patrick

I don't understand how it's safer than the stock telescoping shaft. Sounds like they redisigned it (splines instead of flattened bar) to reduce slop caused by wear. I guess if that's a problem...

Tim.

Well,...I'm not sure actually, other than it's a new part. The pics show the unit with a rubber boot covering the telescopic portion, so it's hard to tell.
That's why I posted the query...mainly to see if anyone has seen or used it and if in fact it's a better design. Anyway, I'll probably call them and find out what or how this is any better than the original isssue.
Thanks just the same; let me know if you find anything out later and I'll be sure to post whatever I find out.